Interest and use

Needs

LightFull sun

HardinessFully hardy (min -15°C)

SoilWell drained, Fertile, Humus-rich

Soil pH5.0 to 7.0

WaterSemi-moist

Cultivation

Roses are adaptable and they can be planted in beds in a range of situations, however, they will usually prefer an open, sunny site with fertile, moist but well drained soil. The miniatures and smaller types will mix well with shrubs. Climbers can be used on fences, for covering unsightly sheds or old trees. To improve health, flower quality and shape of bush, prune in the dormant season or preferably in spring before young shoots develop from dormant growth buds: remove dead, damaged and dying wood. You should try to avoid planting them in an area where roses have been grown in recent years as problems may occur due to disease; either change the soil or choose another site. To obtain blooms of high quality, feed them in late winter or early spring with a balanced fertilizer and apply a mulch. In the spring-summer feed at 3 weekly intervals. Rain may damage the flowers of some roses, causing the petals to form 'balls'.

Propagation

By budding in summer or by hardwood cuttings in autumn. Hybrids are often propagated by grafting.